CHARTER A BOAT

Florida and Palma – two of the world’s dominant yachting hubs – will each host international yacht shows in the upcoming months. Words by Olivia Rose

Those looking to invest in a superyacht for sale and those with a penchant for yacht charters stand to benefit as the tail end of the Caribbean yachting season coincides with the onset of the Mediterranean season, and yacht of all sizes exhibit in exotic locations around the world.

For those based in the Americas or the Caribbean, the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2017 will display a broad range of vessels ranging from 2.50m to over 45.00m. Summer conditions make for favourable viewing conditions and the show’s extensive, varied schedule will ensure a rewarding visit.

Mediterranean-based yachting enthusiasts will eagerly await the Palma Superyacht Show 2017, which will exhibit luxury yachts for sale and charter over 24.00m in length. Voted by The Sunday Times as the world’s most desirable place to live overseas, Palma makes for a captivating visit, with an enchanting old town and a vibrant yachting community.

Palm Beach International Boat Show: 23rd–26th March

Returning for its 32nd year, the Palm Beach International Boat Show – held on the paradisal West Palm Beach, Florida – will host USD 1.2bn worth of superyachts, with over 90 100ft+ yachts on display. With the waterfront being dominated by the 450+ exhibitors, presenting everything from inflatable water toys to superyachts, the event is sure to be an all-encompassing affair.

On display at the show and sure to attract a great deal of attention from potential charterers and buyers, M/Y OCTOPUSSY was built by the renowned Heesen shipyard in 1988 and underwent an extensive refit in 2015, bringing her to an as-new condition. Available for both sale and charter, she has been described as bold, vibrant, and fast, much alike the Palm Beach Boat Show itself. Exuding charm and style through her sleek exterior and characterful interior, M/Y OCTOPUSSY takes influence from her usual cruising ground - the Caribbean. The 43.60m vessel benefits from extensive deck spaces which provide guests with the best of outside living: al fresco dining room for 16, a Jacuzzi on the sun deck, and a large awning - under which guests can relax on the vast sun pads in the shade – sets M/Y OCTOPUSSY apart from other yachts.

Her interior spaces are colourfully decorated with luxurious furnishing, while her five staterooms hosting 12 guests in unreserved comfort. With a top speed of 32 knots and a shallow draft for exploring hidden bays and anchorages while on charter in the Caribbean, this is the perfect vessel for a summer spent on the water. M/Y OCTOPUSSY has an asking price of USD 7,900,000 after a price reduction of USD 1,350,000. Charters are available from USD 110,000 per week.

Also on show at the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2017 will be M/Y SPIRIT, which is available for yacht charters in North America in the summer and Caribbean & Bahamas and Central & South America in the winter. She was built in 2011 as part of the Amels 177 range and certainly lives up to her name, with exterior lines styled by renowned designer, Tim Heywood; every detail of this vessel has been designed with quality in mind. The superyacht’s sun deck boasts a Jacuzzi with large sun pads, a bar, and a full-size Teppanyaki grill for al fresco dining and entertaining. Additional special features include a spa with a dedicated masseuse, a gym, an 85-inch state-of-the-art TV in the sky lounge, as well as a small fleet of water toys.

Palma Superyacht Show 2017: 28th April–2nd May

If you can’t quite find what you’re looking for in Florida, hop across the Atlantic to the next instalment on the global yachting calendar: the Palma Superyacht Show 2017. Situated on the south coast of Mallorca, Palma has long been considered the superyachting hub of the Mediterranean. The island’s stunning marina will play host to the 5th edition of this popular event in April/May. 50 exhibitors will showcase their wares in the shadow of the impressive Palma Cathedral and surrounding Moorish architecture. 70 of the port’s berths will be filled with spectacular luxury superyachts - with an unusually equal emphasis on both motor and sailing yachts - catering to every maritime enthusiast’s desire.

The 2017 edition of the show will feature a new section on refit and repair. There will be 22 stands located towards Muelle Viejo, with major players in the refit and repair industry in attendance. The latest technologies will be on display for yacht owners and prospective buyers to learn more about the industry.

Tickets to the Palm Beach International Boat Show 2017 are available online from USD 22.00.

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